Long Weekend? Here Are Travel Destinations You Can Visit

Long weekends are a great opportunity to travel and unwind. They offer a chance to breathe, explore, and escape from the daily grind. But let’s face it: traveling comes at a cost. Between airfare, accommodation, tours, and dining, expenses add up fast. That’s why timing—and the tools you use—matter.

Ready to plan your next trip? Discover why long weekends are the best time to use a credit card and the various travel destinations you can visit.

The Best Time to Travel (and Swipe)

Long weekends and similar extended holidays are some of the best times to use a credit card for travel. During these windows, you can unlock special perks that you won’t usually get on regular days. Here’s why:

Maximizing Rewards and Benefits

During long weekends, many travelers make bigger purchases, from airfare and hotel bookings to dining and shopping. Using a travel credit card helps you earn more points, miles, or cashback rewards faster. Credit cards with accelerated rewards on travel spending can significantly boost your rewards balance during these high-activity periods.

Taking Advantage of Travel Promotions

Credit card issuers often run special promotions, discounted rates, or bonus rewards around holidays and long weekends to encourage spending. Airlines also run ticket sales to the best travel destinations during holidays, which often coincide with long weekends.

Enjoying Airport Lounge Access

Long weekends typically mean busy airports, longer waits, and crowded terminals. Using a credit card with complimentary lounge access (such as those offered by RCBC) lets you relax in comfort, enjoy snacks and Wi-Fi, and avoid the airport bustle.

Ensuring Peace of Mind

Booking and paying with your credit card during long weekends ensures you’re covered by travel insurance, including trip cancellations, delays, or lost luggage. This layer of security provides peace of mind when travel plans might be more subject to change or disruption during peak times.

Building Your Travel Fund for the Future

By piling up rewards and miles during these peak travel moments, you’re effectively building up a fund for future trips. You’ll finally be able to check off items in your bucket list of travel destinations!

List of Travel Destinations and How Your Credit Card Can Unlock Exclusive Experiences

Here are eight of the best travel destinations that are perfect for a long weekend, plus ways a credit card can elevate the experience.

1. Kyoto, Japan

Lose yourself in the serenity of ancient temples, stroll through bamboo groves, and sip matcha in centuries-old tea houses. While Kyoto feels like a step back in time, your credit card keeps you in the now. Turn that escape into something truly unforgettable by booking discounted flights during seat sales, reserving geisha performances or kaiseki dinners online, and earning points for future adventures every time you pay.

2. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a healing paradise, with yoga retreats, beach clubs, and jungle villas. Your RCBC credit card gives you access to the most exclusive experiences. Book spa packages or sunrise treks in Ubud to soothe the soul, or pay for accommodations in breathtaking resorts. But relaxation doesn’t start at your destination; you can get into a mindful space as soon as you step into the airport lounge!

3. Queenstown, New Zealand

This adventure capital is packed with bungee jumping, skydiving, and hiking. Booking with your card means discounts on experiences, built-in travel insurance for peace of mind, and points earned on every heart-racing moment. Perfect for adrenaline junkies seeking thrills! 

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a blend of old-world charm and modern culinary delights. Your RCBC credit card makes it seamless to reserve tables at Michelin-starred restaurants, join foodie walking tours, and score boutique hotel deals—all while earning double rewards for dining and travel. It’s a taste of Europe that’s as rewarding as it is delicious.

5. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is pure magic, with its blue domes, whitewashed villas, and golden sunsets. With your card, you can snag early-bird deals on ferry rides, spread out payments for luxury catamaran cruises, and enjoy travel protection in case plans change. The views are priceless, but your rewards balance will thank you.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

With Table Mountain, vineyards, and coastal drives, Cape Town delivers on every front. It truly is an explorer’s dream, especially with an RCBC credit card by your side. A credit card gives you access to concierge services you can rely on when arranging safari day trips or scenic coastal drives. Plus, earn rewards every time you book premium tours or accommodations online.

7. Banff, Canada

Think breathtaking turquoise lakes, alpine hikes, and cozy lodges. Your card makes it easy to purchase park passes or lift tickets online, enjoy travel insurance benefits for outdoor activities, and even grab cashback from partner travel agencies. It’s a front-row seat to nature’s most breathtaking scenery.

8. Batanes, Philippines

Seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Batanes is an untouched gem; a world away without leaving the country. Your RCBC credit card helps secure hard-to-get flights to Basco, reserve cozy stone house stays, and pay for guided tours around Sabtang and Itbayat. Even here, rewards and perks follow you.                    

RCBC Credit Cards: Your Gateway to the World

Whether you’re after beaches, mountains, or cobblestone streets, the right credit card serves as your reliable financial partner throughout the trip. 

RCBC Credit Cards are designed for travelers like you. Apply for an RCBC credit card today and get access to the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.